Expand state pre-K

As a retired U.S. Army senior leader and grandfather of two children who have participated in Tennessee's exceptional state pre-kindergarten program, I am deeply concerned that reactions to your Aug. 1 story, "Pre-K gains may not stick, Vanderbilt study finds," could lead us to turn our backs on federal funds to strengthen the program.

I care about this issue because 75 percent of young people ages 18-24 cannot qualify for military service, many because they are academically unprepared. Numerous studies have shown that quality pre-kindergarten can reverse this trend because it impacts long-term school success and high school graduation rates.

A recent report from Mission: Readiness documents impressive results from New Jersey's state program, where gains in math and literacy lasted though fourth and fifth grades. Participating children were also 40 percent less likely to be held back in school, and 31 percent less likely to need special-education services.

The debate about Tennessee's pre-kindergarten program should focus on how to improve it. Tennessee currently only funds preschool slots at about $5,800 per child - well below the $8,059 recommended by the National Institute for Early Education Research to ensure a quality program. The new state-federal proposal referred to in the article would enable the state to close this budget gap. Our congressional delegation should work with the administration in Washington to enact the proposal for the sake of children today and national security in the years to come.

Lt. Gen. Dennis Cavin, U.S. Army (retired)

Gallatin 37066

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Expand state pre-K

As a retired U.S. Army senior leader and grandfather of two children who have participated in Tennessee's exceptional state pre-kindergarten program, I am deeply concerned that reactions to your Aug.